MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO STRIKES GOLD AND SILVER IN NATIONAL FENCING TOURNEYIn fencing, every point is a battle. But for Glowlyn Malipol and her daughter, Christine May Morales, their latest victories delivered something more meaningful than medals: a moment they could celebrate together.The mother-daughter tandem made a memorable impact at the 2nd Leg Mini-Me and Veterans National Ranking Competition at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, with Morales capturing gold and Malipol claiming silver in their respective events.The 13-year-old Morales, a Grade 8 student-athlete and scholar from the University of the East, ruled the Under-14 Women’s Foil after defeating Canlas Fencing’s Ma. Alana Angelique Ribaya, 10-4, in the final. She powered through the competition with wins over Eliora Lenie Dela Cruz, 10-4, and Republic Fencing’s Julia Lauren Reyes, 10-1, and Vince Avery Asperin, 10-4, in the preliminaries.Yet the young fencing standout had another reason to celebrate beyond adding another gold to her collection: her mother was also on the podium.“I’m very happy with my victory, but I’m even happier because my mom also won a medal. Sharing the podium with her makes this achievement more meaningful for both of us,” Morales said.Representing Quezon City SEP, Malipol secured silver in the Veterans Women’s Epee after falling to Beverly Gay Alarcon of Luzon Elite Fencing Club in the final. She booked her place in the championship bout with a nail-biting 10-9 victory over Gay Marie Rafael of Republic Fencing, after opening her campaign with a 10-4 win against Michelle Ragot.Organized by the Philippine Fencing Association with support from the Philippine Sports Commission, the tournament provided another stage for the country’s fencers to showcase their skills across age groups.For Morales, the gold-medal performance continued a promising run following her triumph at the 3rd Leg Cadet and Junior Championships at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.Now, with another victory under her belt, the young champion is setting her sights on an international competition scheduled for December 1-10 in Kuala Lumpur.“This win gives me more confidence and motivation to train harder. I’m excited for the next international competition, and I will do my best to represent the Philippines,” she said.For this mother and daughter, the latest competition was more than a test of skill and nerve. It was proof that the pursuit of excellence can be a shared journey — with gold and silver medals making the family celebration even sweeter.

Middle blocker Jamaica “Jaja” Villena has officially concluded her stint with the Akari Chargers, closing a chapter that began when she entered the Premier Volleyball League as a rookie.Selected 22nd overall in the second round of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, the former Emilio Aguinaldo College standout spent more than a season developing with Akari, gaining valuable experience on the taraflex while building strong relationships within the team.In an emotional TikTok announcement, Villena expressed her gratitude to the Chargers’ management, coaches, and teammates for the opportunity, the lessons, and the bonds forged throughout her time with the franchise.Now, a new chapter awaits.With PVL roster movements continuing ahead of the upcoming conferences, Villena’s declaration that she is “open for another opportunity” puts her name on the radar of teams looking to add size, depth, and another option at the middle blocker position.For a young player who has spent more than a season developing in the pros, the next move could be another important step in her growth.AKARI IS NOW IN THE PAST.THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY COULD BE WHERE JAJA VILLENA MAKES HER NEXT BIG MOVE.

Eala entered the Asian Games carrying the momentum of a breakthrough season, but competing in Japan meant stepping away from one of the biggest tournaments on the WTA calendar.Now, Alex Eala had a choice to make.Chase the points. Chase the ranking. Chase a place among the world's best at the WTA Finals.Or put on the Philippine colors and compete for the country at the Asian Games.But, Eala chose the Philippines.And now, that decision has officially cost her a shot at the season-ending WTA Finals.The Filipino tennis ace is no longer in contention for the prestigious event after skipping the WTA 1000 China Open to represent the country at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.An “X” now appears beside Eala’s name in the WTA live race, signaling that her bid to finish among the top eight players has come to an end.For Eala, however, the missed opportunity came with something else: an Asian Games bronze medal.The China Open offered valuable ranking points that could have strengthened her push for a place in the WTA Finals.Instead, Eala chose to represent the Philippines.She reached the semifinals of the Asian Games singles event, securing a bronze medal and adding another major achievement to her rapidly growing career.But in the unforgiving WTA race, every missed tournament can matter. And this one proved decisive.Eala was sitting at No. 17 in the WTA live race with 2,181 points. Ahead of her was Czech player Linda Noskova, who occupied the eighth and final qualification spot with 4,354 points.That left Eala 2,173 points behind the cutoff position. With the WTA Finals qualification deadline set for Nov. 1, the gap became too large to overcome after Eala opted out of the China Open.Even if she had played in Beijing, overtaking Noskova would have required a deep run from Eala while Noskova exited early.It was possible on paper. But increasingly difficult in reality.The WTA Finals is scheduled for Nov. 8 to 15 in Indian Wells, where the world's top eight singles players will battle for one of the biggest prizes in women's tennis.Eala will not be among them this time. That may sting. But her 2026 season is hardly defined by the tournament she missed.Her decision in Japan showed that her ambitions extend beyond rankings and individual milestones.She wanted to represent the Philippines. She wanted an Asian Games medal. And she got one.Professional tennis is built around rankings, points, prize money and qualification cutoffs. Every tournament matters, and players often have to make difficult choices about where—and when—to compete.Eala's Asian Games decision is a reminder that an athlete's biggest victories are not always measured by ranking points.She sacrificed an opportunity to strengthen her WTA Finals campaign. In return, she helped put Philippine tennis on the Asian Games podium.The WTA Finals will come again. So will another season of chasing rankings, titles and bigger stages.For now, Alex Eala leaves the Asian Games with something no WTA ranking can take away:A bronze medal for the Philippines.And perhaps the bigger story is not that Eala missed the WTA Finals.It's that, when she had to choose between points and country, she chose the flag.

The ₱2-million and ₱1-million gold-medal incentives under Republic Act No. 10699 have renewed questions about equality, athlete recognition, and the treatment of Filipino para-athletes.They train for years, compete against Asia's finest athletes, overcome enormous pressure, and proudly carry the same Philippine flag onto the international stage.They stand on the podium as gold medalists, bringing honor to the country and inspiring millions of Filipinos.Yet under Philippine law, winning gold at the Asian Games and winning gold at the Asian Para Games carry different financial rewards.₱2 million for an Asian Games individual gold medal. ₱1 million for an Asian Para Games individual gold medal.The difference has brought renewed attention to Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, following the achievements of Filipino athletes at the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games.At the center of the discussion is a fundamental question:Should two Filipino national athletes who win gold at their respective continental championships receive different statutory cash incentives?A ₱1-Million Difference Written Into LawUnder Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10699, individual gold medalists at the Asian Games are entitled to a statutory cash incentive of ₱2 million.Individual gold medalists at the Asian Para Games, meanwhile, are entitled to ₱1 million.The difference is not the result of a discretionary decision by sports officials following a competition.It is established under the existing national sports incentives law.The distinction becomes particularly noticeable when comparing the achievements of Filipino champions at the 2026 continental competitions.Among the Asian Games gold medalists are gymnastics superstar Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and taekwondo athlete Jeus Gabriel Yape.Meanwhile, para swimming champions Ernie Gawilan and Ariel Joseph Alegarbes have also delivered gold-medal performances for the Philippines at the Asian Para Games.The statutory incentives for individual gold medals are:CompetitionGold medal incentiveAsian Games₱2,000,000Asian Para Games₱1,000,000Difference₱1,000,000The figures represent statutory cash incentives for individual events. They do not necessarily reflect the total financial rewards an athlete may receive from other government programs, local governments, or private sponsors.Nevertheless, the difference in the national incentive structure raises questions about how achievements in para sports are recognized.Different Competitions, Shared National ResponsibilityThe Asian Games and Asian Para Games are separate international sporting competitions with different event classifications, eligibility requirements, and competition structures.The Asian Games brings together elite athletes from across the continent, while the Asian Para Games provides high-level international competition for athletes with eligible disabilities.Both demand years of preparation, specialized coaching, physical conditioning, and technical excellence.Both require competitors to meet demanding international standards.And both provide opportunities for Filipino athletes to represent the country against Asia's strongest sporting talents.For para-athletes, preparation may also involve specialized equipment, accessible training environments, and individualized support services.These requirements make investment in para sports particularly important.The two competitions may be different, but the dedication and sporting achievements of their champions deserve serious national recognition.Ernie Gawilan: A Champion Whose Achievements Speak for ThemselvesAmong the Filipino athletes whose performances have brought attention to the issue is veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan.At 35, Gawilan continues to establish himself as one of the Philippines' most accomplished para-athletes.During the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, he captured gold in the men's 400-meter freestyle S7 with a time of 4 minutes and 56.72 seconds.The victory marked his third consecutive Asian Para Games gold medal in the event.He followed that performance with silver in the men's 200-meter individual medley SM7, clocking 2 minutes and 52.72 seconds.His achievements reflect years of international competition, technical development, and sustained excellence.Gawilan's success is not simply an inspirational personal story.He is an elite competitor whose results demonstrate the quality of Philippine para swimming.His gold medal carries the same national significance of bringing international sporting recognition to the Philippines.Yet the statutory incentive attached to his Asian Para Games gold is half the amount provided for an individual Asian Games gold.That distinction has become part of a broader discussion about athlete recognition.Why Does Republic Act No. 10699 Provide Different Amounts?Republic Act No. 10699 was enacted to strengthen benefits and incentives for national athletes and coaches.The law establishes financial rewards for medal-winning performances in recognized international competitions, including the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, and Southeast Asian Games.Its incentive schedule assigns different amounts according to the competition and medal category.For the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the prescribed individual gold-medal incentives differ by ₱1 million.However, the existence of different amounts does not, by itself, explain the full legislative reasoning behind the distinction.Understanding that reasoning would require examining the law's legislative history, policy objectives, and the factors considered when the incentive categories were established.The current discussion therefore presents an opportunity to review whether the existing structure remains appropriate for Philippine sports development.Equal Recognition and Equal Incentives: A National DebateThe difference between Asian Games and Asian Para Games incentives raises two related but distinct issues.The first concerns recognition.Filipino para-athletes represent the country in international competition and deserve recognition for their achievements as elite national athletes.The second concerns financial policy.Should the government provide identical statutory cash incentives for equivalent medals at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, or should the competitions retain separate incentive schedules?Supporters of equal incentives may argue that both groups of athletes dedicate comparable effort to representing the Philippines and that equal gold-medal rewards would reinforce the principle of inclusive national recognition.Others may point to differences in competition structures, event categories, and the broader incentive framework as considerations that policymakers must examine.These perspectives form part of a legitimate discussion about how public sports incentives should be designed.The central policy question is not whether para-athletes deserve recognition. It is how that recognition should be reflected in the country's financial incentive system.Can the Incentive Structure Be Changed?Republic Act No. 10699 includes provisions that allow the Philippine Sports Commission to periodically review and adjust incentive amounts, in consultation with PAGCOR and in accordance with the prescribed process.Congress also has the authority to amend the law.Any proposed adjustment would require consideration of the legal framework, financial implications, athlete classifications, and long-term sustainability of the incentives program.A review could examine whether Asian Games and Asian Para Games gold medalists should receive equivalent statutory awards.It could also consider whether similar differences exist across other competitions covered by the law.Such an assessment would provide policymakers with an opportunity to evaluate the incentives framework as a whole rather than focusing exclusively on one medal category.While the ₱1-million difference has attracted attention, athlete incentives represent only one part of the broader discussion.Para-athletes also require reliable training allowances, accessible facilities, specialized coaching, sports medicine, rehabilitation support, and international competition opportunities.The Philippines has produced successful para-athletes despite continuing challenges in access to sporting resources.Strengthening those systems could help develop more athletes capable of competing internationally.Cash incentives recognize achievements after medals are won.Development programs, meanwhile, help create the conditions that make those achievements possible.Recognition after victory matters. Sustained support before competition matters just as much.The debate surrounding Republic Act No. 10699 could therefore become an opportunity to examine the wider needs of Philippine para sports.For athletes such as Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, Jeus Gabriel Yape, Ernie Gawilan, and Ariel Joseph Alegarbes, international competition represents the culmination of years of preparation.Their events are different.Their athletic disciplines require different skills.Their competitive journeys are unique.But their victories share one important distinction.They bring sporting honor to the Philippines.The national incentive system is intended to recognize those accomplishments while supporting athletes who dedicate themselves to international competition.The question now is whether the current framework reflects the standards of recognition and inclusion that Philippine sports seeks to promote.A Question Worth Bringing to the National ConversationThe difference between the statutory incentives for Asian Games and Asian Para Games champions is clear.The individual gold-medal amounts are ₱2 million and ₱1 million, respectively.What remains open for discussion is whether that distinction should continue.A review of the law could provide an opportunity to examine the rationale behind the existing amounts, the financial implications of possible changes, and the broader objectives of athlete recognition.For Filipino sports fans, the issue is also a reminder that national athletes compete in many different disciplines and circumstances.Their achievements deserve attention beyond medal counts and championship celebrations.The Philippine flag does not change when a para-athlete stands on the podium. The national pride attached to that achievement remains.Whether the statutory incentives should be equalized is a question for lawmakers, sports institutions, athletes, and the public to examine through an informed policy discussion.But one principle remains important:Filipino para-athletes are national athletes whose sporting achievements form an essential part of the country's international success.SAME PHILIPPINE FLAG. SAME NATIONAL PRIDE. DIFFERENT STATUTORY CASH REWARDS.THE ₱1-MILLION DIFFERENCE IS CLEAR. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER PHILIPPINE SPORTS POLICY SHOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE THAT DISTINCTION.

After two consecutive defeats and mounting pressure to turn their campaign around, PLDT finally secured its first victory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series, rallying past the Capital1 Solar Spikers in four sets, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, on Saturday.The victory was particularly significant because the High Speed Hitters were competing without head coach Rald Ricafort, who missed the match due to illness.But PLDT refused to allow another setback to derail its campaign.Led by Davison's outstanding all-around performance, the High Speed Hitters overcame a slow start and delivered the kind of response their supporters had been waiting to see.Two straight losses. An absent head coach. A difficult opening set. And one determined team that finally found a way to win.After a frustrating start to the PVL Siklab Series, Savi Davison delivers a spectacular triple-double as the High Speed Hitters finally break through despite playing without head coach Rald Ricafort.Sometimes, a struggling team needs more than tactical adjustments or a motivational speech to rediscover its winning form.Sometimes, it needs a player willing to take responsibility when everything seems to be going wrong.For the PLDT High Speed Hitters, that player was Savi Davison.Davison entered the match carrying the disappointment of her previous performance against Akari, where she managed only five points in a straight-set defeat.For a player expected to lead PLDT's offensive attack, the result was a frustrating setback.But against Capital1, she responded emphatically.The explosive outside hitter finished with a remarkable triple-double of 28 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 10 digs, producing one of the most complete individual performances of the High Speed Hitters' young campaign.Her scoring provided PLDT with much-needed offensive firepower, while her reception and defensive contributions helped stabilize the team's overall play.The performance demonstrated that Davison could influence the game beyond attacking.She was effective in receiving serves, extending rallies, and providing the defensive support necessary for PLDT to establish its offensive rhythm.From five points against Akari to a 28-point triple-double against Capital1, Davison delivered the response expected from a team leader.PLDT entered the match looking to recover from consecutive straight-set losses to sister teams Nxled and Akari.Those defeats had exposed weaknesses in the High Speed Hitters' execution and consistency.Against Capital1, the early signs were not encouraging.The Solar Spikers claimed the opening set, 25-21, placing PLDT under immediate pressure.Another defeat would have extended the team's losing streak and further complicated its campaign.But the High Speed Hitters responded with greater urgency.PLDT tightened its execution and began finding more consistent scoring opportunities through Davison and its supporting attackers. The second set became the turning point.The High Speed Hitters claimed it, 25-21, leveling the match and regaining confidence.They maintained their momentum in the third frame, producing another 25-21 victory to move within one set of their breakthrough win.Capital1 attempted to extend the contest, but PLDT maintained its composure in the fourth set.Another 25-21 finish completed the comeback.After losing the opening set, PLDT won three consecutive frames by identical scores to secure its first victory of the conference.The absence of head coach Rald Ricafort added another challenge to PLDT's preparations.Ricafort, who was reportedly under the weather, was unable to guide the team from the sidelines.For a squad already dealing with a difficult start, losing its head coach on game day could have created additional uncertainty.Instead, the High Speed Hitters demonstrated their ability to respond collectively.The players executed their assignments, adjusted to the flow of the match, and maintained their composure after dropping the opening set.While the coaching staff continued managing the team, the players were ultimately responsible for delivering on the court.Davison's leadership became especially important.Her offensive production helped PLDT regain momentum, while her defensive contributions supported the team's overall performance.The victory showed that the High Speed Hitters could remain competitive even under difficult circumstances.A strong volleyball program cannot depend on one player or one coach alone. It requires a team capable of responding when unexpected challenges arise.Although Davison dominated the scoring headlines, PLDT's breakthrough was not a one-player effort.Kianna Dy contributed 11 points, providing additional offensive support as the High Speed Hitters fought their way back into the match.Dy's presence helped prevent Capital1 from concentrating its defensive attention exclusively on Davison.For PLDT, developing a balanced attack will be essential as the conference progresses.Davison can produce exceptional individual performances, but consistently winning against strong opponents will require contributions from multiple players.The High Speed Hitters must continue developing their offensive combinations, defensive coordination, and overall consistency.Against Capital1, those elements showed signs of improvement.Following the victory, Davison acknowledged the responsibility she felt after PLDT's disappointing start."I got to show up," she said.The statement reflected her determination to deliver a stronger performance after struggling against Akari.Davison also emphasized that the team's motivation came from recognizing the need to improve."I feel like we all kind of came into this game knowing that we had something to come back from. It's more ourselves than anything. I'm glad that we pushed each other during practice this week," she explained.Her comments revealed an important aspect of PLDT's preparation.Rather than focusing exclusively on previous opponents or external criticism, the High Speed Hitters concentrated on improving their own performance.That approach appeared to produce results.The team displayed greater offensive confidence and the determination needed to overcome an opening-set deficit.For Davison, the victory was a reflection of the work the players had put into their preparation.PLDT's victory over Capital1 was an important step toward recovering from its difficult opening matches.However, one successful performance does not automatically solve every problem.The High Speed Hitters must still demonstrate that they can maintain their level of play against different opponents.Consistency remains the biggest challenge.Against Nxled and Akari, PLDT struggled to generate the offensive production and defensive stability necessary to compete effectively.Against Capital1, the team showed improvement.The next objective is sustaining that progress.Davison's 28-point performance provided a major boost, but the High Speed Hitters cannot rely on extraordinary individual scoring every match.They will need stronger collective execution, reliable contributions from supporting attackers, and more consistent performances in reception and floor defense.One victory can restore confidence. Sustained improvement is what turns confidence into a winning campaign.For Capital1, the defeat represented another reminder of the challenges facing its revamped lineup.The Solar Spikers have shown resilience in several tightly contested matches, but maintaining control over an entire contest remains an important area for development.Despite taking the opening set against PLDT, Capital1 could not sustain its advantage.The loss highlighted the importance of execution during momentum shifts and the ability to respond when opponents begin finding their rhythm.With talented attackers and an evolving offensive system, Capital1 continues to develop its team chemistry.But against PLDT, the Solar Spikers were unable to contain Davison's all-around production.The defeat provides another opportunity for the team to evaluate its defensive adjustments and improve its consistency.The High Speed Hitters entered the Siklab Series with expectations of competing strongly in the conference.Their early defeats raised concerns about whether the team could immediately establish the level of performance required to challenge the league's leading contenders.Saturday's victory offered an encouraging response.PLDT demonstrated resilience, improved offensive production, and the ability to recover after losing the opening set.Davison also showed that she remains capable of delivering match-changing performances.But becoming a serious championship contender will require more than individual brilliance.The High Speed Hitters must build a reliable system that can produce victories even when their leading scorers face difficult matches.That means developing stronger communication, better defensive coordination, and more consistent offensive execution.Championship teams are not defined solely by their best performances. They are defined by their ability to maintain high standards across an entire season.For PLDT, the breakthrough victory is an important psychological boost.The High Speed Hitters have finally ended their losing streak and gained valuable momentum.But the conference remains competitive, and every succeeding match will present new challenges.The team must now determine whether its performance against Capital1 was the beginning of sustained improvement or simply an isolated victory.Davison's leadership will remain crucial.Her ability to score, receive, defend, and inspire teammates gives PLDT a valuable foundation.But continued contributions from Dy and the rest of the lineup will be necessary to establish a balanced and competitive team.As Ricafort works toward returning to the sidelines, the High Speed Hitters have an opportunity to build on the confidence gained from their first victory.Savi Stepped Up. Now PLDT Must Build Momentum.The story of PLDT's breakthrough victory begins with Savi Davison.After struggling in her previous outing, she delivered a spectacular triple-double and helped her team overcome an early deficit.Her performance was a reminder of the impact a determined player can have when the pressure is on.But the victory also belonged to a team that refused to allow its difficult start to define the rest of its campaign.PLDT entered the match without its head coach and with two consecutive defeats behind it.It left the court with renewed confidence and its first win of the conference.THE HIGH SPEED HITTERS HAVE FINALLY FOUND THEIR BREAKTHROUGH.Now comes the harder part.Turning one victory into a consistent winning formula.28 POINTS. 18 EXCELLENT RECEPTIONS. 10 DIGS. ONE STATEMENT PERFORMANCE.SAVI DAVISON SHOWED UP WHEN PLDT NEEDED HER MOST. NOW THE HIGH SPEED HITTERS MUST PROVE THEY CAN KEEP THE MOMENTUM ALIVE. 

Swimming powerhouses, National Capital Region (NCR) and the CALABARZON (Region IV-A), emerged as the dominant delegations as the medal-rich swimming event of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 closed its curtain after four days of competition at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) Aquatics Center on Sunday, July 14.In total, NCR transpired as the top delegation and overall champion of the swimming event with 21 gold medals, 20 silvers, and 22 bronzes.On the other hand, CALABARZON also hauled 21 gold medals with 11 silvers and 10 bronzes to put them at the second spot of the overall medal standings.Despite placing second, Region IV-A produced the victorious swimmers of the event.Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh completed a sweep of six individual events she participated at the 64th Palarong Pambansa capped by a girls’ secondary 400 meter individual medley conquest on Sunday, July 14.Representing Brent International School Manila, Mojdeh collected a total of six gold medals and one bronze in the secondary girls division.The 17-year-old ruled the 200m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, 200m Individual Medley, 400m IM, and the 4x100m medley relay.Besides that, Mojdeh set two new records in the 200m butterfly, registering 2:19.72 beating her previous record by almost three seconds, and 200m breaststroke, clocking in 2:42.75 routing the 2:43.08 time set by Xandi Chua in 2019.Meanwhile, Albert Jose Amaro II completed a sweet in his seven scheduled events. Amaro who won four gold medals in the first three days of competition, added three more in the finale day.The San Beda Taytay representative topped the 4x100m medley relay, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle and finished his campaign by ruling three more events in the 200m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, and the 50m freestyle.

Association of Boxing Alliance of the Philippines’ (ABAP) chairman Ricky Vargas expects the five-strong Philippine boxing team to bring home a medal from the Paris Olympics.“Minimum two golds,” said Vargas. “Podium finishes for all five are very possible. They’re prepared, they’re ready. They went through a lot to get to where they are, to represent the country in the Olympics.” The fighting five are lightheavyweight (80kg) Eumir Marcial, featherweight (57kg) Carlo Paalam, lightflyweight (50kg) Aira Villegas, featherweight (57kg) Nesthy Petecio and middleweight (75kg) Hergie Bacyadan.Marcial, 28, earned his ticket by making it to the final of the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year while Villegas, 28, and Petecio, 32, got their passes at the first World Qualifying Tournament in Italy last March. Paalam, 25 and Bacyadan, 29 booked their slots at the second World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok last June.The boxing tournament in the Summer Games begins July 27 and ends August 11 when Philippine delegation flag-bearers Paalam and Petecio, and the rest of the team go for gold if they make it all the way to the final.

Nesthy Petecio secured a ticket to the Round of 16 of the Women's Featherweight (57kg) via unanimous decision (5-0) against India's Jaismine Lamboria.Petecio, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and Philippine female flag-bearer in the Paris Games  showed her might from the very beginning of the match to keep her gold medal dream alive.The Filipina boxer will face France Amina Zidani in the Round of 16 on August 3, 2:00 a.m. PH time.

Aira Villegas gifts herself with the best possible present on her 29th birthday as she advances to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals in the Paris Olympics early Friday, August 2 (Manila time).The Filipina boxer stunned the No. 2 seeded Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria when she showcased her quick movement and counterpunching.Villegas repeatedly backed off her Algerian foe with her stinging left jabs and quick combinations, enabling her to get all of the five judges’ nod in the first round. While the next two frames were closer, it was Villegas’ clean blows that spelled the difference.It was the second straight unanimous decision win for Villegas, who has been impressive so far in her Olympic debut. She gave the Philippine boxing team a winning start in the Paris Olympics on Monday, July 29, with a victory over Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco.The 29-year-old’s win set up a date with home bet and seventh seed Wassila Lkhadiri of France as they duel for a spot in the semifinals on Sunday, August 4 (Manila time).Villegas joins Tokyo silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam among the Filipino boxers who remain in the medal contention. 

Akari came out on top as the league’s last undefeated team after dealing Cignal its first loss in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, August 6.The Chargers finished their Pool B games with a 15-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22 victory against the HD Spikers, pushing them down to a 4-1 for second. American reinforcement Oly Okaro led the massive charge with 24 points anchored on 22 attacks, one ace, and one block, while Ivy Lacsina chipped in 14 markers from 12 attacks as the Chargers ended the first round with a clean 5-0 slate.Ced Domingo contributed 10, four coming from the total 12 blocks of Akari. Kamille Cal seemed to be adjusting well as the starting playmaker with 14 excellent sets to go with eight points, including three blocks.Gretchel Soltones also had an all-performance with eight points, 19 receptions, and 11 digs.HD Spikers’ Venezuelan import MJ Perez was the only one to score in double digits with 24 points, along with 11 receptions, and nine digs. Riri Meneses and Ces Molina added nine and eight markers, respectively, in the losing effort. Both teams will enter the next round as part of the top three in their group, facing the bottom three from Pool A.

Capital1 sealed its spot in the top three of Pool B after overcoming ZUS Coffee in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, August 6.The Solar Spikers capped off their Pool B campaign with a 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 triumph over the still winless Thunderbelles. Riding high after a record-setting 45 points last week, Russian import Marina Tushova stuffed the statistical sheet with yet another explosive performance as she poured 32 points, along with 10 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions to lead the Solar Spikers.Player of the Game Iris Tolenada set up a remarkable Capital1 stand with 21 excellent sets and five attack points.Apart from Capital1’s leading local scorer Des Clemente with 12 markers on eight attacks, two blocks, and a pair of aces, their two draft picks Jenya Torres and Leila Cruz came to Tushova’s aid on offense.Torres showcased her best performance yet of seven points, two off aces and 12 excellent digs, while Cruz contributed five markers. Victory, however, remained elusive for the Thunderbelles even with Japanese reinforcement Asaka Tamaru’s 22 attack points and Dolly Verzosa’s 12 markers on nine attacks, two blocks and an ace apart from 26 excellent receptions.Mitch Gamit and No. 13 pick rookie Sharya Ancheta each finished with six points. Capital1, who snagged huge wins over Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, assured themselves of facing the three lower-ranked teams from Pool A in the second round, while ZUS Coffee finished the first round winless at 0-5 and will face the top three teams from Pool A.

Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez Nuñez bagged his fifth consecutive gold medal at the men’s 130kg event after defeating Yasmani Fernandez of Chile.Lopez became the first Olympic athlete to win gold in the same event at five consecutive games. He’s also the first wrestler to win five golds.After the match, Lopez symbolically retired by placing his shoes at the center of the mat.

Chery Tiggo overcame a second set stumble and took down Galeries Tower in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday night, August 8.The Chery Tiggo Crossovers capped the first round on a high note with a commanding four-set win over the Galeries Towers Highrisers, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16.Spiker Ara Galang led the team’s local offense with 16 points built on 11 attacks and five blocks, while import Khat Bell, despite nursing a minor back injury, still tallied a game-high 25 markers on 21 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to go along with 12 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs. 

After falling short of a podium finish in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is now looking to inspire future generations by putting a spotlight on his sport when he comes home to the Philippines.Obiena aims to stage a pole vault competition at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on September 20, featuring some of the competitors from the Paris Games.Fresh from a fourth-place finish in the Olympics, Obiena said he can now dedicate more time planning the event, which is already sanctioned by the World Athletics.

The Filipino MMA star Joshua Pacio is now making progress in his recovery from knee injury, and focusing on rehab.Pacio had to trust his doctors and therapist for him to get back on the saddle. “The therapy is going well, and I’m making progress,” he said. “It’s a process, but I trust it. It’s still a long road, but I’m devoted to coming back stronger.” Pacio saidAlthough Pacio also continues to keep an eye on the ONE strawweight division. He heard his name on the lips of his old rival Jared Brooks weeks after he celebrated his interim title win against Gustavo Balart at ONE Fight Night 24. Jared Brooks bagged the ONE interim Strawweight MMA World Title against Balart. Brooks is eager to fight Pacio again to cement his status as the division’s best and to win his old belt back, but the Filipino has personal reasons for wanting the trilogy.   

Filipino fighter Danny “The King” Kingad will now get a chance in moving up the flyweight ladder where he will collide the former eight time ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano Moraes in a rematch at ONE 169: Atlanta at the State Farm Arena on November 8. Moraes captured the flyweight MMA belt in 2014 after 16 thrilling fights in the world’s largest martial arts organization. The 36-year-old Moraes’ most recently completed his epic World Title trilogy with MMA GOAT Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, first scoring a stunning knockout victory in April 2021 before losing the gold to “Mighty Mouse” via KO in August 2022.Then last May of this year  at ONE’s blockbuster debut on American soil, the Brazilian suffered a hard-fought decision defeat to Johnson in their highly-anticipated third contest.Kingad, however, is also looking to avenge his loss to Moraes in 2017 when the Brazilian submitted him in the first round of their title bout at ONE: Legends of the World in front of a hometown crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.Likewise, Moraes is seeking redemption after his loss to Johnson which saw him lose his belt. The Kingad-Moraes rematch is part of a stacked card that features the return of two-division MMA world champion Christian Lee, as he defends his lightweight title against Alibeg Rasulov also on November 8, 2024. 

The University of the East joins DLSU and Ateneo as the first three schools which will bag home a UAAP esports title.This, after the UE Zenith Warriors defeated University of Santo Tomas (UST)’s Teletigers Esports Club in a sweeping 2-0 victory on Wednesday at Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo in Quezon City. That wrapped up the league's inaugural Esports tournament, where Ateneo earlier ruled the NBA2K24 while De La Salle topped VALORANT.Despite a rocky start in the group stages, UE’s playing coach, Arohn Jen Cabigting, expressed confidence, especially during the championship match.

Filipino tanker Ernie Gawilan wrapped up his third Paralympic stint as he missed out on the podium finish in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 finals round at the Paris La Defense Arena late Monday night, September 2 (Philippine time).A medal remained elusive for the 33-year-old para swimmer after finishing sixth place with a registered time of 5:03.18.Federico Bicelli of Italy snared the gold medal with an impressive 4:38.70 finish. Andrii Trusov of Ukraine and Inaki Basiloff of Argentina clinched the silver and bronze medal after clocking 4:40.17 and 4:40.27, respectively.Gawilan became the third Filipino athlete to exit the Paralympics after para archer Agustina Bantiloc and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.With Gawilan no longer in the medal contention, the Philippine delegation in the Paralympics is now down to three — Jerrold Mangliwan, who will compete in the men’s 100-meter T52, Cendy Asusano, who will contest in the women’s javelin throw F54, and Angel Otom, who will vie for gold in the 50-meter backstroke S5 and 50-meter butterfly S5.

The Meralco Bolts are now leading the pack in Group A of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup after dominating the Converge FiberXers, 116-88 yesterday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Meralco, now with a 4-1 record, still played superb even though not yet in full force as key players like Cliff Hodge, Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, and Aaron Black did not play due to injuries.Allen Durham led the Bolts with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while Chris Banchero finished with 24 points, 12 of which came from the second quarter alone.They also received solid contributions from the likes of Anjo Caram and Alvin Pasaol in the blowout win. Caram had a total of 16 points (11 in the 3rd canto), while Pasaol had 12 markers, 10 of which came in the 2nd half where Meralco led by as much as 30 points.The FiberXers suffered their third defeat in five games while playing without starting center Justin Arana who sprained his ankle in their previous game. They also lost their back-up center Patrick Maagdenberg during the game when he sustained a knee injury during the game.Scotty Hopson, who’s been consistent since he reinforced Converge tallied 33 points, grabbed six rebounds and six assists to lead the FiberXers. Alec Stockton and JL delos Santos added 13 and 12 respectively but not enough to bring back the team to life.